Ocean Champions Goes to the Farr Side
Building political power for the oceans requires us to identify and help elect a broad base of ocean advocates to U.S. Congress. Sometimes, it takes a lot of research and analysis to determine whether a candidate will truly be an ocean champion in Washington, D.C. Sometimes, however, it's pretty obvious.
It doesn't get much more obvious than this. Ocean Champions is proud to announce its endorsement of Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA).
Congressman Farr embodies everything we look for in a Congressional champion. In fact, when David Wilmot founded Ocean Champions in 2003, Congressman Farr was the image he had in mind. His commitment to ocean conservation is evident from the range of ocean issues he leads, from sweeping ocean governance reform to endangered marine animal protection, and from research to offshore oil drilling bans, Congressman Farr is always there for the oceans and the people who love them.
Quote from Congressman Farr: The ocean is so big and so vast with so many aspects not yet understood, it is hard for people to comprehend that it is in trouble. Without the ocean, we wouldn't have the air we breathe, or much of the protein we eat. It is our world’s largest public trust and it is invaluable to human life as we know it – it is because of this that I am a champion for its conservation, restoration and management to ensure its preservation.
Congressman Farr may be best known for his leadership on the visionary H.R. 21 - Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (a.k.a. Oceans 21), which seeks to implement the recommendations from the Pew Oceans Commission, and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Experts argue these changes are necessary for long term ocean health. Last year, the Obama administration picked up on Mr. Farr's leadership and challenged the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force to recommend a framework for implementing critical aspects of Oceans 21, including a national ocean policy to protect, maintain and restore healthy oceans.
In addition to Oceans 21, Congressman Farr also seeks opportunities to address individual conservation priorities. In the 111th Congress, he has led successful efforts to establish new ocean research programs and improve our ability to use ecosystem-based management. He's protected Sea Otters, Sea Turtles and Sharks, and has pushed for improved coastal water quality. Always an opponent of offshore oil drilling, Congressman Farr recently cosponsored the West Coast Protection Act, to permanently prohibit oil and natural gas leasing off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington. The list truly goes on and on.
Ocean Champions is based in Congressman Farr's district, and we couldn't be happier with our representation! His record speaks for itself, and we know well that he is the best candidate for CA-17.
30 June 2010, 8:00 pm